Gary Neville used his post-match podcast to eviscerate the second half efforts of Liverpool's attackers after the Reds fell to their third consecutive defeat in all competitions with a 2-1 defeat away at Chelsea. The ex-Manchester United man went as far as to call the efforts of Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo as "completely useless" in the closing moments of the fixture.
Neville criticises Liverpool attackers for poor display at Stamford Bridge
Neville was talking from the gantry at Stamford Bridge on his customary post-broadcast podcast. He had just watched Liverpool fall to a chastening defeat, after it had appeared they would mount another late comeback in this nascent season.
Former Anfield target Moises Caicedo opened the scoring for the Blues in the first half. His piledriver from all of 30 yards gave Premier League debutant Giorgi Mamardashvili no chance in the visitors net. Gakpo levelled the scoring in the second half, as he latched onto an Alexander Isak flick on in the box to fire into the roof of Chelsea's net. Despite wresting back some momentum after the break, Liverpool wilted in the dying embers, allowing Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian to steal the show in injury time as he converted from close range to send the home fans into raptures.
It certainly felt the game was there for Liverpool to win after the Dutchman's equaliser, especially as Chelsea had to contend with injuries to Benoit Badiashile and Josh Achemeapong, forcing Maresca into a makeshift centre-back pairing of Jorrel Hato and Reece James in for the final half-hour. Ultimately, the champions' wasteful play in the attacking third let them down, and seemingly frustrated Neville to boot.
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What Neville said about Liverpool's attackers in loss to Chelsea
Neville said: "Games are won by intent, teams that look like they want to win. I'm not saying Liverpool didn't, they obviously did, but I thought that after they scored I was really disappointed by the level of their performance. A lot has been made of Liverpool's defensive work, and rightly so, but today that's not why they've lost this game.
"They've lost this game because in the last 15-20 minutes, their creative players, their players in the final half of the pitch, the midfielders and the forwards who were absolutely useless. They were giving the ball away like you wouldn't believe.
"Gakpo down here, Salah over on that far side; the wastage. Wirtz not knowing how to get into a game in the last 15 minutes when it was there for the taking, and just almost sort of marking Caicedo, I was watching him a lot."
What GOAL made of Liverpool's attackers
As with all major Premier League ties, GOAL cast their eye over the proceedings at Stamford Bridge. Our player ratings for the Reds backs up some of Neville's criticisms.
The Egyptian King, so long Liverpool's talisman, was given the lowest rating, as our writer asked the question: has Salah's finishing ever been this bad? The reigning Premier League Player of the Year was given just 3/10 for his wasteful performance in front of goal.
We were slightly more generous to Wirtz and Gakpo, giving each player a 6/10 and 8/10 respectively. However, we agreed with Neville that while the young German made an impact upon entering the game, he faded badly as the proceedings drew to a close.
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Getty Images Sport
Stats: Liverpool's attacking performance at Stamford Bridge
The Reds probably feel they did enough in the attacking third to steal at least a point at Stamford Bridge. According to Opta Analyst's xG model, Liverpool created 1.74 xG to Chelsea's 0.88.
The issue lied in Liverpool's inability to work Robert Sanchez in the host's goal. Of the their 12 shots, just two were on target. Conversely, Chelsea forced four saves out of Mamardashvili on top of Estevao and Caicedo's successful attempts.
According to analytics wizz Statman Dave, Salah failed to win a single duel or complete a successful dribble. All three of his attempts failed to work the keeper. The Egyptian had the fewest touches (35) of any outfield player that completed the full 90 minutes.
Australian allrounder becomes the first overseas signing in the new era of professional women’s county cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Mar-2025
Harris will also feature for London Spirit this summer•Getty Images
Australia international Grace Harris has signed a deal with Surrey to play in the inaugural women’s Vitality Blast.The batting allrounder, who has represented her country 62 times in limited overs internationals, becomes Surrey’s first overseas player, and the first outright in the new professional era of women’s county cricket in England and Wales.The 2025 summer will be the first time all men’s and women’s counties will play alongside one another in the Vitality Blast. Harris’ first match will be Surrey Women’s opener against Hampshire Hawks at the Kia Oval on June 5, as part of the double-header alongside the equivalent men’s fixture.Harris is renowned for her big-hitting and wily off spin, skillsets which have made her a staple across a number of franchise tournaments. As well as featuring prominently for her home side Brisbane Heat in the women’s Big Bash, the Queenslander recently ended the WPL as UP Warriorz’ joint-highest runscorer, and is part of London Spirit in The Hundred. She also featured in the three T20Is that made up the winter’s women’s Ashes, helping Australia consign England to a 16-0 defeat.”I can’t wait to take to the pitch with the team at Surrey and the Kia Oval,” said Harris, in a statement released on Wednesday. “The club has shown a strong commitment to the women’s side and I know the team have been preparing hard over the winter. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team and making the most of my time with them.”Emma Calvert, Surrey’s Director of Women’s Cricket, added: “We are incredibly excited to be able to announce Grace as our first overseas signing for our newly professional Surrey women’s team.”Grace brings international and franchise experience which we believe will really add value to our squad both on and off the pitch. She plays exactly the style of cricket we look to play and I can’t wait to see her wearing the three feathers at the Kia Oval this summer.”Surrey will play in the top league of the women’s Vitality Blast, along with the seven other Tier One counties. The eight sides will play each other home and away across 14 group-stage matches, with the top three securing a spot at Finals Day, which will take place at the Kia Oval on July 27.
O Grêmio anunciou na última quinta-feira (6), a contratação do atacante Iturbe, de 30 anos. Após finalizar os exames médicos, o jogador assinou contrato com o Imortal, até dezembro de 2023, com opção de renovação por mais uma temporada. O Lance! mostra a trajetória do argentino, mas naturalizado paraguaio.
Livres no mercado! 20 jogadores sem clube que mudariam o seu time de patamar
Iturbe começou a sua carreira no Cerro Porteño, em 2016, sendo tratado como uma joia do futebol paraguaio, sendo até mesmo comparado com Lionel Messi pelo estilo de jogo e porte franzino. Logo que completou 18 anos, foi comprado pelo Porto, tendo a sua primeira experiência na Europa.
No entanto, jogou apenas 11 partidas pelo clube português e passou a acumular passagens por River Plate, Verona, Roma, Bournemouth e Torino, até ir para o futebol mexicano, onde teve mais sucesso. Atuou por Pachuca e Tijuana, mas foi no Pumas onde encontrou o seu melhor momento na carreira.
Luan, Soteldo, Nikão… Veja 10 jogadores que estão fora dos planos em seus clubes no Brasil
Pelo clube mexicano, fez 93 partidas e marcou 12 gols, tendo certo destaque no time. No começo de 2021, acabou acertando com o o Aris, da primeira divisão da Grécia. Lá, porém, teve bons e maus momentos, realizando 78 jogos, sendo 41 como titular, e marcando apenas oito gols em três temporadas.
Histórico em seleções
Na base, Iturbe jogou pela seleção da Argentina, chegando inclusive a disputar um Mundial Sub-20 e dois Sul-Americanos. Em um deles, marcou um golaço que garantiu uma vitória sobre o Brasil, em 2011. Na época, a Seleção Brasileira tinha nomes como Neymar, Casemiro e Oscar no plantel.
Tendo muita concorrência no ataque argentino, Iturbe passou a defender a seleção do Paraguai, país-natal de seus pais. Sua primeira convocação para o selecionado foi em 2016. Porém, não rendeu o esperado. Até aqui, não marcou nenhum gol pelo Paraguai e não joga pela seleção desde 2019.
Josh Windass revealed a gruesome injury to his social media followers after coming off early in Wrexham's Championship draw with Leicester City. The Foxes went ahead in the first half through Jordan James’ and held onto their lead until the 77th minute. However, nerves and wastefulness opened the door for Wrexham, with Nathan Broadhead grabbing a late equaliser at the King Power Stadium.
Agony for Windass in Foxes clash
Windass left fans wincing after revealing a new injury. The forward came off just after the hour mark, replaced by Broadhead, who turned saviour for the Red Dragons with a late equaliser. What came next was a grim social media update. Windass posted a close-up of his severely bruised ankle, swollen and mangled, with the caption:
@windassjnr Instagram
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWindass’ injury curse strikes again
Windass only recently clawed his way back from a hamstring tear suffered in Wrexham's 3-2 defeat to West Brom. That setback kept him out of five matches before he finally made his return against Norwich on September 20. Now, the 31-year-old could be set for another period on the sidelines, with a medical examination on his ankle likely to take place later this week. Manager Phil Parkinson may be robbed of one of his most experienced heads for another important stretch of the campaign.
Parkinson’s warriors refuse to fold
Parkinson’s men continue to show steel after a tough start to the 2025-26 campaign. The boss, who has masterminded three successive promotions to guide Wrexham into the Championship, stuck with the same XI that battled through a bruising 1-1 draw with Derby just days earlier. And once again, his players found a way. Lewis O’Brien’s relentless chase of a lost cause created the late chance against Leicester, and Broadhead’s ice-cool finish ensured Wrexham’s remarkable record of scoring in every league and cup fixture this season remained intact.
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Getty Images SportHollywood derby up next
All eyes now turn to Friday night, when Birmingham City arrive at the Racecourse for the latest edition of the “Hollywood derby”. Injuries may be piling up, but Wrexham’s spirit is unbreakable, and the script feels primed for another nail-biter.
فاز فريق نادي الاتحاد السعودي، على نظيره الشرطة العراقي، بنتيجة 4-1، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الإثنين، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة.
وتواجه فريق الاتحاد مع الشرطة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من عمر مرحلة المجموعات، لبطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للموسم الحالي 2025-2026.
وجاءت أهداف نادي الاتحاد عن طريق موسي ديابي وفابينيو وهدفين للجزائري حسام عوار، بينما أحرز هدف فريق الشرطة لاعبه بسام شاكر. أهداف مباراة الاتحاد السعودي والشرطة العراقي اليوم في دوري أبطال آسيا
وبهذا الفوز، يحقق فريق الاتحاد انتصاره الأول ببطولة دوري أبطال آسيا، بعد خسارتين في الجولتين الأولى والثانية، حيث يحتل المركز السابع في ترتيب مجموعة الغرب لأندية آسيا، برصيد 3 نقاط.
طالع | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي السعودي والغرافة اليوم في دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة
وعلى الجانب الآخر، فريق الشرطة العراقي بقيادة المدرب المصري مؤمن سليمان، يتواجد في المركز الحادي عشر، برصيد نقطة واحدة، من تعادل وحيد وتلقى خسارتين.
بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة، تقام بنظام مرحلة الدوري من 24 فريقًا مقسمين على 12 لأندية الشرق ومثلهما لأندية الغرب (التي تمثل المنطقة العربية).
ويخوض كل فريق 4 مباريات على أرضه و4 مباريات خارج ملعبه، في مواجهة ثمانية أندية مختلفة، وتتأهل 8 أندية من كل منطقة (شرق وغرب) إلى دور الـ16، والذي تقام مبارياته من ذهاب وإياب، لتتأهل الأندية الفائزة إلى ربع النهائي.
واعتبارًا من دور الثمانية (ربع النهائي) تلعب مباريات البطولة بنظام التجمع (التأهل من مباراة واحدة) في دولة واحدة تم اختيار دولة السعودية لاستضافة تلك المباريات.
Akash Deep is fit again and expected to play his first match of the season
Himanshu Agrawal03-Apr-20252:11
Can Rohit Sharma find form against LSG?
Big picture – Batting yet to click for both LSG and MISince they came into existence in 2022, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have the joint-best head-to-head record against Mumbai Indians (MI). LSG have a 5-1 record against the five-time champions, but face them in Lucknow with problems to solve.With the bat, Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh have played impactful knocks. But the others, including Rishabh Pant, are yet to perform. Pant has only made 17 runs in three innings, while Ayush Badoni, whom LSG had retained, has made 51. Aiden Markram has also had a slow start to the season, and that compounds LSG’s woes after they were hit by injuries to fast bowlers Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan. Akash is now fit to play his first game of the season.Related
Manjrekar: 'Things are slipping away' for Rohit Sharma
Pant 'still figuring out a lot of things for the team'
MI began their season with back-to-back losses before bouncing back with a comprehensive win against Kolkata Knight Riders. Even without Jasprit Bumrah, MI have been among the best bowling sides this season: they are second-best in terms of wickets taken, average and economy rate.As for their batting, Suryakumar Yadav seems to be back in form, while Ryan Rickelton made a rapid half-century against KKR. But Rohit Sharma’s low returns – just 21 runs in three innings – remain a concern. This contest, then, could be a test of both teams’ batting.Form guideLucknow Super Giants: LWL Mumbai Indians: WLLTeam news and likely XIIs – Akash Deep set to returnAkash is ready to go for LSG after recovering from the back injury he suffered last December. He could replace Avesh, who has gone for 75 runs in seven overs this season, and taken just one wicket.Lucknow Super Giants: 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Mitchell Marsh, 3 Nicholas Pooran, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 5 Ayush Badoni, 6 David Miller, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Digvesh Rathi, 10 Akash Deep, 11 Ravi Bishnoi, 12 M Siddharth.Will MI include an extra spinner in Mujeeb Ur Rahman if Lucknow is expected to be spin-friendly? The only game Mujeeb has played this season came on a black-soil pitch in Ahmedabad, where he was taken for 28 runs in two overs. If Mujeeb is back, it could be at the expense of Will Jacks.Mumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Hardik Pandya (capt), 6 Naman Dhir, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Deepak Chahar, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Ashwani Kumar, 11 Vignesh Puthur, 12 Mujeeb Ur Rahman.Rishabh Pant has scored just 17 runs in his first three innings this season•BCCIBig questionMI have a history of unearthing young Indian talent. Even Bumrah and Suryakumar first grew their T20 game at MI. This season, MI have unleashed left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur and left-arm quick Ashwani Kumar to telling effect. While Puthur has four wickets in two games, Ashwani has four in one.In the spotlight: Ravi Bishnoi, and MI’s spinnersRavi Bishnoi is LSG’s highest wicket-taker since 2022. LSG retained him for INR 11 crore, but he has been expensive so far this season. He has three wickets in 11 overs at an economy rate of 12.54. In the middle overs, Bishnoi’s eight overs have for gone at 12.25 per over. The next highest for anyone to have bowled at least that many overs during that phase is Ravindra Jadeja’s 8.32. LSG will hope Bishnoi, their prime spinner, is back in rhythm before it’s too late.Mitchell Santner (left-arm orthodox), Puthur (left-arm wristspin), Mujeeb and Jacks (both offspinners) lend plenty of depth and variety to MI’s spin department. MI have the second-best economy rate (8.12) and the third-best average (27.28) of all spin-bowling teams this season, and could field three of their four spinners in Lucknow, where, if the pitch provides turn, LSG’s batters might not have it easy.Pitch and conditions: LSG to use black-soil pitchThis IPL, home advantage has become a hot topic. The red-soil pitch LSG played on against Punjab Kings did not impress their mentor Zaheer Khan, who went on to say that it looked like the opposition’s curator prepared it. Against MI, LSG will switch over to a black-soil surface, which is expected to be more spin-friendly. That could help LSG’s spinners, but they will be wary of the move backfiring against MI’s own spin contingent.Temperatures in Lucknow could touch 38 degrees Celsius during the day, but could cool down considerably by the time the game starts at 7.30pm. There’s no chance of rain.Key Stats Since 2017, 15 batters have at least 2500 runs in the IPL. Of them, Rohit Sharma has the lowest strike rate (130.09). His team-mate Suryakumar Yadav is third best at 147.98. Since the start of 2024, Nicholas Pooran comfortably leads the six-hitting charts in all T20 cricket. He has smashed 202 sixes in this period, and is far ahead of Heinrich Klaasen (121) in second place. Of the regular home grounds of the ten IPL teams since 2022, Lucknow has been the second-best spin-bowling venue behind Mullanpur in terms of both economy rate (7.44) and average (26.07).
The international break might well have come at the best possible time for Aston Villa.
After all, their opening results back in the Premier League this season have been nothing short of abysmal, with a seriously worrying 3-0 defeat last time out to Crystal Palace leaving them without a win from their first three league clashes.
Aston Villa managerUnaiEmeryreacts
On top of giving the Villans some room to assess after a poor start, the break has also given Unai Emery apt time to be at the training ground and work out where new recruits Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho fit in.
Having both arrived through the door on deadline day, the Spaniard will be praying that both the loan signings can be positive influences moving forward that lift his out-of-sorts side from their current malaise.
What Elliott & Sancho can offer Villa
Despite arriving in the Midlands as loanees initially, it’s safe to say both Elliott and Sancho are already well-versed in the challenges of the Premier League.
The midfield duo can boast 184 top-flight appearances between them in England, with Sancho just fresh off another loan stint himself with Chelsea, away from parent side Manchester United.
The reserve Red Devils figure came into his own at Stamford Bridge, with a promising seven goal contributions coming his way from 34 league appearances for Enzo Maresca’s Blues.
As another temporary option for Emery to call upon down the wings, Sancho could well go down as a shrewd acquisition, considering his transfer valuation, as per Football Transfers, stands at £27m.
Elliott may also be capable of the spectacular, scoring a crucial goal in the Champions League against PSG and firing home against Brighton towards the end of the campaign. However, his quality wasn’t enough to convince Arne Slot he deserved more game time, with only two starts afforded to him by the Dutchman in the league throughout 2024/25.
While he has often been utilised as an impact substitute at Anfield, the 22-year-old will surely be capable of offering even more quality to the Villa attack alongside Sancho, with the £33m-rated star up to 15 Premier League goal contributions himself.
While Sancho and Elliott will no doubt become key figures in the team at some point this season, Emery already has one dependable figure who’s worth more than the summer signings.
The Villa "monster" worth more than Elliott & Sancho
Despite experiencing such a slow start out of the blocks, Emery and Co can still flex some expensive assets in their camp.
Villa were fortunate to keep both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers around past the chaotic transfer window, with Rogers’ value increasing all the way up to a jaw-dropping £99m, according to the CIES Football Observatory, amid interest in his services from Sancho’s parent employers.
Boubacar Kamara has also undergone a similar transformation at Villa Park, with the French midfielder’s valuation continuing to soar, having initially joined the West Midlands club on a free transfer.
The energetic 25-year-old has been a regular presence in the Villa treatment room since he left his native France behind in 2022 – with a hamstring concern already derailing his 2024/25 season – but he has consistently shone at the heart of Emery’s midfield when fit, having even been branded a “monster” by Sky Sports’ Adam Bate for his tenacity centrally.
Indeed, his fierce, battling nature was clear for all to see on the opening day of the Premier League, with a whopping ten duels won in total as Villa and Newcastle United played out a tense stalemate.
Emery’s men arguably lacked this same bite against Palace with Kamara missing, with his assured nature on the ball – which saw him average an 89% pass accuracy last season in the league – further bolstering the argument that he’s a guaranteed starter when injury niggles aren’t shackling him.
Now
£47.6m
March 2025
£38m
January 2024
£40m
July 2022
£0
Off the back of being consistently dependable when fit, Kamara’s value now stands out at a mightily impressive £48m, which is more than both Elliott and Sancho, despite considerable fanfare greeting their arrivals.
While these new additions will undoubtedly boost a goal-shy Villa outfit, it could be that Kamara’s eventual return from injury empowers Emery’s downbeat side even more, having been a stable glue for the Villans for many a season now.
Aston Villa plan move to sign "colossal" star who has £34m+ release clause
The Villans could look to capitalise in the January window.
Arsenal summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has impressed since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in a deal which could rise to £64 million, but only in certain Premier League games.
Mikel Arteta’s long wait for a prolific striker was brought to an end by sporting director Andrea Berta in the Italian’s first window at the Emirates, and supporters eagerly awaited the Swede’s debut whilst expecting big things.
Gyokeres bagged an unbelievable 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting before his switch to north London – spearheading the Primeira Liga champions to a domestic double last season – and Arteta is hoping his new number nine can replicate those heroics on British shores.
Despite Arteta’s fondness for Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal tried to sign in the summer of 2024 and in January, Berta reportedly swayed Arsenal chiefs into moving for Gyokeres instead (The Athletic).
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£5m
Martin Zubimendi
£60m
Christian Norgaard
£15m
Noni Madueke
£52m
Cristhian Mosquera
£13m
Viktor Gyokeres
£55m
Eberechi Eze
£67.5m
Piero Hincapie
Loan
Thus far, the signs have been fairly promising, but some criticism has surrounded Gyokeres’ lacklustre link-up play compared to the likes of Liverpool star Alexander Isak, who was also once a “dream” target for Arteta.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also believes that Gyokeres won’t be a big-game player for Arsenal, with the 27-year-old failing to make an impact against both Man United and Liverpool this season.
His goals so far have come in a 5-0 win over Leeds United, and most recently, the Gunners’ 3-0 dispatching of Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Troy Deeney tips Arsenal to replace Viktor Gyokeres with Kai Havertz
Once £280,000-per-week star Kai Havertz is back from injury, talkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney is convinced that Arteta will bench Gyokeres for the big games in favour of their versatile German.
Football is often reactionary at the best of times, and we believe that Gyokeres simply needs more time to settle in Europe’s most competitive division.
Viktor Gyokeres to deliver on big stage for Arsenal in time
The striker’s lack of impact against Man United and Liverpool is a concern, but that could simply be put down to Gyokeres finding his feet at brand-new club amid plenty of pressure to deliver.
At Sporting CP last season, the Swede produced 54 goals and 13 assists across competitions, thriving under the pressure of title races and European nights. His record shows he doesn’t just score against weaker opposition, either.
Gyokeres regularly delivered goals or assists in decisive matches, including against Porto and Benfica, where his work rate, strength, and ability to lead the line stood out.
His six goals in eight Champions League games for Sporting last season, including a stunning hat-trick against Man City, also work wonders to highlight that Gyokeres can indeed deliver on the biggest occasions.
After confirming the arrival of Tyler Dibling, Everton have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a midfield star in a move driven by manager David Moyes.
Dibling "buzzing" to join Everton
At one stage, it looked as though Everton were set to miss out on Dibling amid reports that they were reluctant to match Southampton’s asking price. The Saints soon lowered their demand, however, and the Toffees agreed a deal worth around £42m. Adding yet another attacking talent to their ranks, there’s no denying that Everton’s frontline has been transformed this summer.
Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, Dibling told reporters: “I’m buzzing to sign. I felt the Club already, even before I was in the building, just from social media and from people telling me about the Club. I’ve never been so excited to play football and I’m just ready to get going.
“I think it’s the perfect match because of where the Club is right now. Obviously with the new stadium, the fans here are unreal and it has a family feel to it. I think it was the perfect fit and was a no-brainer to join.
Insider has "no doubt" Everton are "looking" at £55k-a-week defensive midfielder
Would he be an ideal addition for the Blues?
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Henry Jackson
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“I think I’ve come to Everton at the perfect time and hopefully I can be here for many years. “[The Brighton win] gave me a feel for the Club. It looked unbelievable. I also played in the last Men’s game at Goodison. It was so loud. I was looking around and thinking, ‘This is quality’.”
Even after welcoming their eighth arrival of the summer, however, the Toffees still reportedly have unfinished business in the transfer window.
Everton submit opening Soucek offer
According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Everton submitted their opening offer to sign Tomas Soucek in a move driven by Moyes, only for West Ham United to turn that offer down. With less than one week left until the transfer window slams shut, it will now be interesting to see whether those in Merseyside return to launch an improved offer.
The Czech Republic midfielder was one of the most successful players to work under Moyes at West Ham and the veteran manager now wants him at the heart of his Everton side.
The move would certainly make sense too. The Toffees have been searching for an Abdoulaye Doucoure replacement all summer long and Soucek would certainly tick that box. With a knack for goals from midfield and a towering physical presence, the experienced West Ham man should be among Everton’s last remaining transfer priorities.
Dubbed “brilliant” by Moyes during the manager’s time at the London Stadium, Soucek could be one to watch as deadline day approaches.
This is a dead rubber in a dead series. It is the fifth T20I with the home side 3-1 up a fortnight after a Champions Trophy campaign that was draining for New Zealand and demoralising for Pakistan. New Zealand have rested key players while others are unavailable due to the IPL, while Pakistan have rung the changes in the hopes of a fresh start that will snap the game out of its current rut. If there was little on this series, there is even less on this particular game.This is the third time a New Zealand-Pakistan series clashes with the IPL in three years, and once more, New Zealand’s strength in depth has lived up to the test. Barring Pakistan’s white-hot brilliance in their Auckland chase, the hosts have found themselves in more or less complete control throughout. Where Pakistan’s powerplay bowling has been expensive, New Zealand have been productive, striking early and several times through the fielding restrictions to stifle Pakistan’s ability to take risks on high-scoring surfaces.Related
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Allen, Duffy lead rout of Pakistan to seal series win for New Zealand
Kelly, Abbas get maiden NZ call-ups; Williamson unavailable for Pakistan ODIs
If Pakistan hoped this series would be akin to England’s ODI series against New Zealand in the wake of their humiliating exit at the 2015 World Cup, events have not shown themselves to be quite as conveniently linear.However, there is a sense of excitement at what appears a tonal shift in philosophy to T20 cricket, with Pakistan – at least for now – encouraging all-out attack. That will present problems and frustrations as has been evident for in this series, but that Eden Park onslaught – coupled with irregular flashes of quality through this tour – has suggested there may be diamonds to be had amidst all the roughness.This game, and this series, will hold little value in the short-term. Both sides will move on to a seemingly equally context-free ODI series over the following week, before Pakistan’s players shift to the PSL while the IPL dominates this slice of the calendar.But with the T20I World Cup a year away, New Zealand, venerated for their far-sightedness, will view this series as the moment when the first building blocks for an attempt at yet another ICC trophy are made. Pakistan, on the other hand, may look back upon it as the time they lifted themselves up off rock bottom.However, history suggests they have not earned the trust for observers to begin viewing it that way just yet; it may just as easily be a footnote in yet another attempted overhaul. Given the seemingly impulsive nature of decision-making in Pakistan cricket, perhaps the final match may well carry a certain value if it can convince the PCB to stay the course.
Form guide
New Zealand: WLWWL (last five completed matches, most recent first) Pakistan: LWLLLJacob Duffy has taken the chance to establish his T20I credentials•AFP/Getty Images
In the spotlight: Jacob Duffy and Mohammad Haris
He might not be the star of New Zealand’s bowling line-up but Jacob Duffy has taken a shine to Pakistan. He has more T20I wickets against this opposition than all others combined and at the best strike rate. Duffy was brought into the Champions Trophy squad last month and while he did not play a game, he has not appeared rusty, playing in all four matches. He is the leading wicket-taker, the most economical bowler, and boasts the lowest average across the series. He was instrumental in demolishing Pakistan’s top order in Mount Maunganui as New Zealand coasted to a series victory. He is well placed to finish the series as its standout performer and push his T20I credentials even when New Zealand do not have players away at the IPL.Mohammad Haris‘ whirlwind 41 may have set Pakistan on their way at Eden Park, but across these four games, he – and Pakistan – expected bigger contributions. Early dismissals for a batter taking such high risk are hardly rare, but at this point, Haris looks some way off the player who lit up the 2022 World Cup partway with his assault on South Africa in Sydney. That cameo appeared to personify Haris, but since the end of the World Cup, they have dried up almost completely. That score in the third T20I remains the only time in nine innings he has crossed 15 since that World Cup in Australia, and the fluid nature of Pakistan’s selection philosophy means another failure in the final game can hardly bode well for him.
Team news: Pakistan could rotate
New Zealand have named the same squad for the fifth T20I, and with the fourth producing a near-perfect performance, an unchanged eleven would be unsurprising.New Zealand (probable): 1 Tim Seifert, 2 Finn Allen, 3 Mark Chapman, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Jimmy Neesham, 6 Mitch Hay (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell (capt), 8 Zakary Foulkes, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Jacob Duffy, 11 Will O’RourkeShahid Afridi called for Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan to be rested with the series lost. Right arm fast bowler Mohammad Ali awaits may get more game time if that comes to pass, while Usman Khan, yet to get a game this series, is a potential beneficiary of rotation.Pakistan (possible): 1 Mohammad Haris (wk), 2 Hassan Nawaz, 3 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 4 Irfan Khan/Usman Khan, 5 Shadab Khan, 6 Khushdil Shah, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Shaheen Afridi/Mohammad Ali, 9 Haris Rauf, 10 Abbas Afridi, 11 Abrar Ahmed
Pitch and conditions: Weather set fair
Conditions in Wellington are expected to be near-perfect for cricket, with dry and slightly cool weather in the evening. The most recent T20I here saw the second and third-highest scores at this venue, when New Zealand posted 215 last year, only for Australia to chase it down off the final delivery.
Stats and trivia
Jimmy Neesham requires another 45 runs to reach 1000 in T20I cricket
New Zealand and Pakistan have more prolific wickettakers in T20I cricket than any other side. Each have three with more than 100 T20I scalps, something no other side can manage. All three of Pakistan’s – Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi are in Pakistan’s current squad
Pakistan have an abysmal recent record in T20I cricket since the start of 2024. Excluding games against Ireland, USA, Canada and Zimbabwe, they have won four of 22 T20Is in this period